Remember that day
September 11, 2018
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I share this post on this day every year (and probably always will) because it's important to me that we have a visual reminder of this day, now seventeen years ago.
Our son wasn't born yet...so many children and young adults don't remember. And we all easily forget the details! So I hope you will bear with me as I share some of the moving photos I've taken over the years that tell the story of that day.
New York City is one of my favorite places on Earth. We got married in the city because we love it so much. I can't even count how many times we've been there, but the first time was less than two weeks before September 11.
We went back four months after the devastation -- everything was still so raw at that point. It makes my heart swell to see the beautiful monuments that have been raised in that spot. In my opinion, they are so well done and pay beautiful tribute to those we lost throughout the country that day.
These first photos are from the Ground Zero Museum and tell the story of that day. This location is separate from the new museum – it used to be closer to Ground Zero but it looks like it’s moved to 14th street. If you visit the city I highly recommend visiting both.
I let the photos do the talking (forgive the quality, all were taken with a phone over the years):
![117_thumb[1]_thumb[5]](https://lh6.ggpht.com/-Q-Wi0Q5JSiY/VBGtTPy0sVI/AAAAAAAAqzE/ikGgk1KdkR8/s1600-h/117_thumb%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B5%25255D%25255B2%25255D.jpg "117_thumb[1]_thumb[5]")
The new 9/11 Museum looks so small from the outside, and you think it will only take an hour or so get through. Plan accordingly because this museum literally goes deep into the Earth and you can spend hours in there.
It is one of the most well done museums I've ever visited, especially considering the content. The beginning is a tour of the footings and walls of the towers (this wall below was one of the towers). Don't miss the room in the middle in this part of the museum -- it holds photos of each of the victims as well as video about each one. There are no cameras allowed in this space -- it is most definitely a memorial. There is a separate room at the end of the main part of the museum and it can be easy to miss -- but it holds most of the photos, artifacts and videos. It may not be suitable for younger kids but our (then) nine-year-old did fine. (There are parts of this room we steered him away from.) There are no cameras allowed in that area as well.
If you go give yourself plenty of time and be prepared for the heaviness in your heart that you will feel as you walk through and when you leave. It is overwhelming and unavoidable. I think every person that visits New York City should visit at least once.
This artwork signifies the color of the beautiful blue sky on that morning. There are 2,983 squares -- one for each person lost on September 11th and at the 1993 bombing.
God bless all those we lost on that day and their families. God Bless America.
(Freedom Tower)
If you have plans to visit NYC, be sure to check out my guide for the must-sees on a quick trip. This is especially helpful if it's your first time there.
Wow, these photos really had an impact on me. I live in NJ and we know so many people who lost friends and family that day. We go into the city several times of year but I still haven't made it to the memorial. We plan to take my kids one of these days since I think they are old enough now. Never forget.
ReplyDeleteShelley
I have tears in my eyes after reading this beautiful tribute. Thank you. We will never forget.
ReplyDeleteEvery year I read your tribute ... each year I am more touched than the year before. It seems that as time goes by, it becomes more sad to me as people forget this terrible event. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this. 17 years... I can hardly believe it.
ReplyDeleteEvery year on the anniversary, without fail, emotionally it's still as though it happened yesterday. All it takes is one reminder and I'm back to that morning when we all were changed forever. How could anyone possibly forget.
ReplyDeleteCrying as i do every year when I look at your pictures.
ReplyDeleteI love this! My daughter was in kindergarten and her entire class made American flags as parents were contacted to coordinate pickup. I have it in a frame and keep it year round in a display. We were also there a month before in Tower One- down those escalators. I took my high school age son last fall for a quick mother son trip; he could have stayed all day at the museum. We are going back next month! laura in CO
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